EXPLORING DIFFERENT BRAINS is a weekly interview show hosted by neurodiversity advocate Harold "Hackie" Reitman, MD., and presented by DifferentBrains.com. Join us as we speak with some of the most interesting people involved in autism, Asperger's, dyslexia, ADHD, OCD, down syndrome, and any condition that can be considered "neurodiverse." From doctors to judges, teachers to caregivers, scientists to advocates, parents to kids, neurodiverse to neurotypical, we want to tell any story that can ...
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Comedian James Mullinger discusses ADHD’s effect on his life and performances. James Mullinger was one of the UK’s top comedians and Comedy Editor for GQ magazine when he moved to Canada in February 2014. Since his arrival, he has taken the country by storm. Sold out shows across the country, appearances on CBC’s The Debaters, CTV’s The Social and …
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CONTENT WARNING: discussion of pregnancy lossCartoonist Chari Pere discusses how she used art to share her experiences with pregnancy loss. Cartoonist Chari Pere is on a mission to create art that is heartfelt, funny, and relatable–and has most recently done so with her award-winning "Unspoken" Cartoonmentary series, shedding light on miscarriage, …
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Author, attorney, and self-advocate Haley Moss explains autistic joy, and how to be supportive of it. Haley Moss was diagnosed with autism at age 3. She graduated with her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law in 2018, and graduated from the University of Florida in 2015 with Bachelors degrees in Psychology and Criminology. She is…
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Clinical psychologist, autism self-advocate, and educational consultant Dr. Eric Endlich shares tips for students transition from high school to college. About our guest: Eric Endlich, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and founder of Top College Consultants®, manages a diverse, nationwide team of college admissions professionals helping neurodivergent s…
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Host Bea Moise continues her chat with author and accessibility expert Alex Norman.Alex Norman is the founder and CEO of Access Built, a leading agency helping organizations reimagine environments to be more inclusive. As the author of Boundless: Real Stories and Practical Strategies for Inclusive Living, Alex blends powerful life stories with acti…
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Access Built CEO Alex Norman shares the tenants of universal design, his journey to achieve inclusive living.Alex Norman is the founder and CEO of Access Built, a leading agency helping organizations reimagine environments to be more inclusive. As the author of Boundless: Real Stories and Practical Strategies for Inclusive Living, Alex blends power…
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Actor, voice-over artist, author, and self-advocate Adam Lee Sietz shares how improv comedy helped him navigate ADHD.Adam Sietz has spent more than a quarter century writing, producing and performing in the Entertainment Business. He has written and performed with the National Lampoon, and written extensively for television, animation, radio, corpo…
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Expert and author Terri Duncan explains the importance of emotional regulation, and offers was to support those with emotional disregulation.Terri Duncan is a Speech Language Pathologist and has worked with Autistic children and a broad range of developmental delays. She is also author of the book Why Emotional Regulation Might Mean EVERYTHING. Ter…
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Self-advocate Tim Ulmer shares his journey with epilepsy, and talks about his show Epilepsy Gangster.Tim Ulmer is an epilepsy self-advocate, and author, and the creator and producer of Epilepsy Gangster. Tim also facilitates the prominent support group that he started over a decade ago. He's been a moderator-writer for Health Union's EpilepsyDiseas…
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Self-advocate and author Rebecca Tillou shares the realities of life with FASD, and her journey towards getting a diagnosis at age 33.Rebecca Tillou is a self-advocate of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which is under the umbrella Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Since being diagnosed at the age of 33, she has become a tireless advocate raising awareness …
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Autism self-advocate and therapist Megan MacKay discusses her work helping those experiencing PTSD and CPTSD. Megan MacKay works as an addiction and trauma psychotherapist. She is a CSAT, LCPC and LPC in the states of Arizona and Montana. Megan is also a Clinical Mental Health Consultant at Trapper Creek Job Corps, and a Board Member for Returning …
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Autism self-advocate and therapist Megan MacKay discusses her role with Job Corps, and how it can help the neurodivergent population. Megan MacKay works as an addiction and trauma psychotherapist. She is a CSAT, LCPC and LPC in the states of Arizona and Montana. Megan is also a Clinical Mental Health Consultant at Trapper Creek Job Corps, and a Boa…
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In the second part of our review of 2024, we hear from some of the people making a difference for the neurodiversity community including Dr. Jennie Trocchio, Cheryl Checkers, Aisha McDonald & more!AISHA MCDONALD – full interview pt 1 https://differentbrains.org/recognizing-intersectional-trauma-with-aisha-t-mcdonald-lmhc-edb-328/ / pt 2 https://dif…
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In the first part of our review of 2024, we hear from some of the neurodivergent self-advocates that have appeared on the show, including Shawn Smith, Ali Idriss, Diane Gould & more!ALI IDRISS – full interview: https://differentbrains.org/adhd-in-the-er-with-ali-idriss-edb-316/ | for more about their work: https://differentbrains.org/author/ali-idr…
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Canadian ADHD & autism self-advocate and therapist Shawn Smith shares his experiences battling burnout, and offers tips on how ot overcome it. Shawn Smith M.Ed., CCC, LCT is an autistic and ADHD Counsellor and psychotherapist, and the founder of Don’t dis-my-ability® Consultation Services Inc. Shawn helps parents, young people, and adults who are n…
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PDA expert and autism self-advocate Diane Gould, LCSW discusses Pervasive Demand Avoidance (previously known as Pathological Demand Avoidance). Diane is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that specializes in serving autistic individuals. As the Executive Director and Founder of PDA North America, she founded the annual PDA North America conference h…
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Linda J. Silver, M.S., Ed.S. discusses Section 504 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and her career ensuring appropriate accommodations for students. Linda J. Silver, M.S., Ed.S. is the Executive Director and Founder of Silver & Associates Educational Consulting Solutions. She is an expert in the field of Section 504, an award winning certifi…
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Certified Trauma and Resiliency Expert Aisha T. McDonald, LMHC returned to discuss her work as a Suicidologist. and the importance of inclusive mental health. Aisha T. McDonald, LMHC is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Trauma and Resiliency Expert. She has worked in the social services field for over 12 years in a variety of capacit…
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Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Trauma and Resiliency Expert Aisha T. McDonald, LMHC explains why trauma should be looked at through an intersectional lens. Aisha T. McDonald, LMHC is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Trauma and Resiliency Expert. She has worked in the social services field for over 12 years in a varie…
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Autism self-advocate, author, and speaker Sam Farmer discusses replacing internalized ableism with self-acceptance. Sam Farmer is an information technology consultant, neurodiversity community self-advocate, writer, author and public speaker. Identified later in life as autistic, he writes articles, records podcasts and presents at libraries, confe…
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Dr. Craig Escudé discusses the importance of training doctors to care for the IDD and neurodivergent communities. Dr. Craig Escudé is a board-certified Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Developmental Medicine with over 20 years of clinical experience providing medical care for people with intellectual a…
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Cheryl Checkers and Dr. Christopher Kye shares their experience working with autistic patients experiencing mental health challenges. Cheryl Checkers is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, National Board-Certified Counselor, and Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist who specializes in working with teens and adults on the autism spe…
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Understanding Epilepsy, with Anna Diaz & Luis Martinez of Epilepsy Alliance Florida | EDB 324
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Epilepsy Alliance Florida’s Anna Diaz & Luis Martinez share facts about seizure disorders, and how the Alliance is working to increase awareness and support.Anna Diaz is a Social Service Aide for the Epilepsy Alliance Florida (EAF), and is herself an epilepsy self-advocate. Luis Martinez is a Community Resource Specialist for EAF. Established in 19…
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9Muses Art Center’s Nicole Storrs shares how their drop-in center is helping people with mental health challenges. 9Muses Art Center is a drop-in center located in Fort Lauderdale, FL. They are a program of Mental Health America of Southeast Florida providing free peer-driven behavioral health support to adults with mental health and substance abus…
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Katherine Murphy, CEO of NAMI Palm Beach County, share how the alliance is helping people with mental health challenges in South Florida and throughout the nation. NAMI Palm Beach County is an affiliate of NAMI - THE national Alliance on Mental Illness. From their website: “NAMI PBC is an organization dedicated to providing support, education and a…
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Fusion Academy’s Tainah Georges explains how they use a one-student-to-one-teacher model that allows students to achieve academically. Fusion describes itself as: “the world's most personalized middle and high school, with 1-to-1 classes that match your student's pace and preferences, so they can learn better, dive deeper, and never get left behind…
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Canine Assisted Therapy’s Courtney Trzcinski, Laura Rogers, and Gracie share what therapy animals do, and how they positively impact those with social and health challenges. Canine Assisted Therapy, Inc. is a pet therapy organization located in Broward County, Florida. Their mission is to improve the health and well-being of people in need through …
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University of Miami’s Shelly Baer & Jairo Arana discuss their Self-Advocate Leadership Training (SALT) program.Shelly Baer is a licensed clinical social worker, disability self-advocate, and the director of leadership training initiatives at the University of Miami School of Medicine’s Mailman Center for Child Development. Jairo Arana is a clinical…
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Zachary Tovin shares his perspective on being an autism self-advocate. Zach is on the Autism Spectrum and grew up in South Florida. After high school, he attended the Horizons School in Birmingham, Alabama, where he studied and honed the skills he would need to live and work independently. In 2019, Zach graduated from ARC Broward Culinary Arts prog…
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Anthony Pacilio of CAI shares of they are helping organizations realize the benefits of neurodiversity.Anthony Pacilio, is recognized domestically and internationally, as an expert in neurodiverse employment and currently serves as Vice President of CAI Neurodiverse Solutions. Pacilio specializes in advancing neurodiversity programs and leads the g…
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Self-advocate & EMT Ali Idriss discusses how his ADHD traits help him navigate his work in emergency rooms, and offers advice for dealing with a trip to the ER. Ali Idriss is a Different Brains team member and ADHD self-advocate. He aspires to share his journey and help others with the tools that have allowed him to overcome many of the challenges …
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Dr. Jennie Trocchio shares how developmental therapy can help autistic individuals, and how it differs from behavioral methods. Dr. Jennie Trocchio is an autism educator, speaker, Developmental Therapist, and Vice President of Clinical Operations at Positive Development. Positive Development’s mission is to “…help people with autism and other devel…
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In the second part of our review of 2023, we hear from some of the neurodiversity change-makers that have appeared on the show. Featured are: DR. MICHAEL ALESSANDRI - full interview: https://differentbrains.org/working-together-for-the-autism-community-with-dr-michael-alessandri-edb-290/ | learn more about their work here: https://people.miami.edu/…
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In the first part of our review of 2023, we hear from the neurodivergent self-advocates that have appeared on the show. Featured are: JR HARDING - full interview: https://differentbrains.org/pioneering-workplace-inclusion-with-dr-jr-harding-edb-297/ | learn more about their work at: https://jrharding.com/ HAYLEY & MATTHEW LEACH - full interview: ht…
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Cynthia Hammer, self-advocate & founder of the Inattentive ADHD Coalition, shares her experiences with the disorder, and how it can differ from other types of ADHD.Cynthia Hammer is the Founder and Executive Director of the Inattentive ADHD Coalition, and author of the book She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work in 1972. For many years she w…
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Evolve Learning Community’s Christina Sullivan discusses how the micro-school gives unique support to students that have struggled in traditional classrooms. Christina Sullivan is Co-Founder and Clinical Director of Evolve Learning Community (ELC), and provides individual therapy, coaching, training, and consultation in the community. From ELC’s we…
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Mental Health counselor Gabriela Guardarrama shares her personal experiences dealing with bipolar disorder.Gaby is an an Outpatient Mental Health Therapist in the South Florida area. She was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Type 1 at age 19, and is dedicated to helping others deal with their mental health challenges. She is also a poet who uses her …
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ADHD Coach & self-advocate Brooke Schnittman MA, PCC, BCC returns to discuss helping people overcome ADHD related challenges.Brooke Schnittman MA, PCC, BCC is an esteemed expert in the field of ADHD management and support, renowned for her unwavering dedication to empowering individuals with ADHD to overcome challenges and achieve their full potent…
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Author & psychiatrist Dr. Mark Goulston shares the peace and wisdom he has found while facing cancer.Originally a UCLA professor of psychiatry for over 25 years, and a former FBI and police hostage negotiation trainer, Dr. Mark Goulston’s expertise has been forged and proven in the crucible of real-life, high stakes situations. An influencer who he…
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Educator & musician Joseph Lento discusses how he thinks the education system can better serve neurodiverse students.Joseph Lento is an educator and a Conservatory-trained professional Musician. He is licensed by NYS as a Teacher of Orchestral Music and School District Administration and began his career in 1984. In 1999 he was named NYC Bronx Coun…
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Miss Missouri 2023 Hayley Leach and self-advocate Matthew Leach discuss being siblings working together to advocate for the autism community. Hayley Leach is a 25 year-old law student at Washington University in St. Louis and was recently crowned Miss Missouri 2023. During her year of service, Hayley will travel the state of Missouri and promote a …
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Atlas Primer CEO and founder Hinrik Jósafat Atlason shares how the learning assistant app can make education more accessible for neurodivergent learners.Atlas primer is a learning assistant app that creates a “personal learning environment” for it’s users. Atlas Primer was founded on the vision of creating a learning environment that combined the a…
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Team members from TERC share the organization’s innovative work for improving S.T.E.M. education, and making it more inclusive for neurodivergent learners. TERC team members featured are:Dr. Jodi Asbell-Clarke is an educational researcher focusing on game-based learning, computational thinking, and neurodiversity in K-12. Dr. Asbell-Clarke’s academ…
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Members of the Autism Theater Project share how they are working to change the perception of neurodiversity through performing. The Autism Theater Project is a a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the autism community. We express the voice of the autism community through theatrical experiences, and empower special needs children to exp…
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Autism self-advocate Travis Misurell shares how the Future Is Now Coalition is working to make the democratic process more accessible. From the FiNC website: “They say those who don't conform to society create the most significant changes to the world. FiNC founder Travis Misurell, a neurodivergent and atypical thinker, saw how backward, contradict…
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Dr. Lauren Shure discusses social justice in the field of psychology, and the importance of inclusive mental health care. Lauren Shure is a Professor of Counseling at Barry University. She is also a Past-President of the Counselors for Social Justice (CSJ). Dr. Shure holds a B.S. in psychology, M.Ed. and Ed.S.in marriage and family counseling, and …
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In this special 300th episode, we revisit words of wisdom from self-advocates with varied traits and diagnoses that span the “spectrum of neurodiversity”. Featured are: TARA LERMAN - Tourette’s self-advocate, ournalist (full interview: https://differentbrains.org/demystifying-tourette-syndrome-with-tara-lerman-edb-263/ )To find out more about Tara’…
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ADHD Coach & self-advocate Brooke Schnittman MA, PCC, BCC shares tips for neurodivergent students and their parents as a new school year begins.Brooke Schnittman MA, PCC, BCC is an esteemed expert in the field of ADHD management and support, renowned for her unwavering dedication to empowering individuals with ADHD to overcome challenges and achiev…
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Celebrated disability advocate and author, FSU’s Dr. JR Harding, discusses his world travels, and why he thinks everyone needs an adventure. Dr. Harding is a recognized disability leader with over 37 years of personal and professional experiences within the disability community. He is a two-time US Presidential appointee, seven-time Florida guberna…
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Celebrated disability advocate and author, FSU’s Dr. JR Harding, discusses his work helping the next generation of business leaders embrace inclusion. Dr. Harding is a recognized disability leader with over 37 years of personal and professional experiences within the disability community. He is a two-time US Presidential appointee, seven-time Flori…
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